Environmental Science

Departmental contact

Examining board & qualification

AQA – A Level

Entry requirements

Please see current prospectus for further information

Mrs Stephenson (and Sir David Attenborough) say

“After listening to feedback from current and former students, we want to offer the opportunity to study an A level subject which addresses the environmental issues facing the world today and which will equip you with the necessary skills and understanding to make a change.”

“The Holocene has ended. The Garden of Eden is no more. We have changed the world so much that scientists say we are in a new geological age: the Anthropocene, the age of humans.” – Sir David Attenborough

Why study this subject?

Are you passionate about the environment? Would you like to make a difference and be a decision maker of the future?

The environment belongs to all living beings and is therefore important for us all. Everyone, no matter what their occupsation, is affected by environmental issues such as global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, dwindling forests, finite energy resources, and loss of global biodiversity.

The job outlook for environmental scientists is excellent. Employment is projected to grow 15% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Issues like climate change, HS2, forest fires and fracking have spurred more public interest in the environment. These are the jobs of the future and this course will give you the skill set and understanding to access these areas.

What skills will I develop?

This is a great accompaniment to A levels in Geography, Biology, Physics and Maths. You will develop key skills including communication, teamwork and critical thinking.

At the end of each subject content section, there are details of opportunities for you to develop scientific skills within the context of that topic.

These include:

skills related to the methodologies and sampling techniques that you must gain through first-hand experience
skills related to research methods that can be gained through class-based and/or practical activities.

What will I study?

A level Environmental Science is a 2-year course run by AQA and offers the chance to study key topics including biophysical environment, energy resources, pollution, circular economy and sustainability.
The course provides ample opportunities to look at real-life case studies. This contemporary qualification has never been more relevant.

Subject content:

1. The living environment
2. The physical environment
3. Energy resources
4. Pollution
5. Biological resources
6. Sustainability
7. Research methods

How will I be assessed?

After the 2 years of study, you will sit just 2 x 3-hour examinations, each examination weighing 50% of the grade and is a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing questions.

What are my post-18 options?

Environmental Science A level will equip you with the skills, information and understanding needed for the jobs of the future and can lead to higher education courses such as: